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Dad’s ‘mind blown’ at cost of night out with daughter in Manchester

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Manchester Evening News

Dad Mark Hughes has asked “how do people afford life at the moment?” after detailing the cost of what he called a “simple night out” with his 17-year-old daughter in Manchester at the weekend

An Oldham dad has sparked an online debate after expressing his shock over the cost of taking his teenage daughter for a night out in Manchester at the weekend. Mark Hughes, from Saddleworth, shared his experience on his Facebook page after taking 17-year-old daughter Lily into Manchester city centre on Saturday night for a treat.

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Breaking down the cost of their night out, including an Italian meal and drinks in a couple of bars, he said: “How do people afford life at the moment?” His post on his Facebook page TheMarkHughes has swiftly gone viral after he wrote about the full costs of the night.

As well as the £119 spent at an Italian restaurant, he also racked up £49 on taxis into and out of Manchester back to home in Oldham. In total the night out came to £210 which has left digital creator Mark saying: “My mind is blown”.

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In the full post, Mark wrote: “How do people afford life at the moment, took my daughter to town for a meal and bottle of wine in a basic Italian restaurant, nothing special, £119 and ill break that down, starters £9 each, main courses £27 and £25 (pasta dishes) bottle of rosé £39 and £10 tip”.

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He continued with the breakdown of costs stating: “taxi to town £22 taxi home £27, 4 drinks in random bars £6 each £24, sweet treat and bubble tea £19… that’s £210 for a simple night nothing extraordinary with my daughter…

“Like my mind is blown, I don’t even know what the average wage is everyone earns cos I’m self employed I just make enough money to survive each day .. yet people are still out there spending money”.

The post has racked up hundreds of comments, with many pointing out ways he could have had a cheaper night out, like using the bus or train to get into town instead of taxis.

Russell Stirzaker said: “£40 odd on taxis Find somewhere more local or on a bus route. Plus I won’t spead £27 on a steak never mind pasta (it costs pence).”

Trevor Ward said: “A simple night out”? What would it have been if you’d taken the bus/train instead of spending £50 on taxis?”, to which Mark quipped back: “it would of been cold and wet, that’s what it would of been.”

Others agreed with Mark though that prices are becoming more and more unaffordable for the average family. Graham White wrote: “Ask myself this every other day. How are people affording stuff? Imagine you have more than one child to take . Everywhere I go I see cars that cost £600-700 a month how are they doing it I don’t get it.”

Becky Jones sagely wrote: “I think nights like this used to be the norm. Perhaps even once a week for a lot of people. Now they are a treat. A birthday etc. Really we are just going back to the 1950s.”

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Maggie Howle added: “Took my daughter to local burger king, sat lunchtime, £27 for burger and chips, 2 drinks ….never again.”

Jackie McMillan said: “This is why wetherspoons are so busy.”

Digital creator Mark, who also runs the BeingHughes Facebook page, defended using taxis into town, saying to catch the train would have cost £13 each so it wouldn’t have been that much cheaper.

He added that he used to run restaurants himself, so knows only too well the pressures on businesses to make their costs add up, and eats out regularly, sharing what he’s been doing on his Facebook pages. He said he had chosen not to name the Italian restaurant for that reason and said he had no complaints about the meal he and his daughter had.

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Mark told the MEN: “It was a nice restaurant, it wasn’t one of the posher ones, but it was Chinese New Year so it was very busy around town. We decided to go somewhere we hadn’t been before.

“It was a really nice meal, and I think that’s just the average price now, that’s what people are paying for going out.

“Because I’m single, I tend to go out a lot on my own, so I don’t think you notice so much the price when you’re paying for one person – like if it’s £60. But when two go out, well it whacks the price right up doesn’t it?”

“When I look at other families out there, if I had two or three kids right now I couldn’t afford to go out. I’m lucky that I do have an income, but even with that I can’t see regular people being about to afford to go out a lot.”

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Mark said he’s been stunned by the volume of comments on his post, but welcomes the debate around the issues of pricing and the cost of living.

He said: “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion and everybody’s situation is different.”

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Stacey Solomon gives BGT golden buzzer to schoolchildren

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Stacey Solomon gives BGT golden buzzer to schoolchildren

The ITV talent show sees people from the UK and across the world audition to show off their unique talents in an attempt to impress the judges and win the £250,000 prize money.

Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon returned to the panel for the news series, and guest judge KSI has become a permanent judge on the show following the departure of Bruno Tonioli.

While Simon Cowell featured at the start of the episode, viewers saw Stacey Solomon temporarily replace him for some of the auditions this evening.

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Remember the BGT winners from 2018 to 2025


Students from Braunstone Community Primary School and their headmaster combined comedy with dancing and singing, which impressed Solomon so much she said she believed they deserved the golden buzzer.

The children meet each week at 2pm on Fridays with their headmaster, who gets them all dancing and singing together, something Alesha Dixon said “all schools should roll out because kids need this life force of music”.

What is a golden buzzer on BGT?

The golden buzzer is pressed when a judge or the hosts, Ant and Dec, want to send an act straight through to the live shows to award them for their talents.

It’s only given to a select few acts per series and it means golden buzzer acts can skip some of the other auditions.

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What does the winner of BGT 2026 get?

There have been 18 winners of BGT since its first series in 2007, with magician Harry Moulding winning last year.


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The winner of BGT will take home a prize of £250,000 and will also be given the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the royal family.

In the ITV show’s first three years, winners won a prize of £100,000, while the biggest winners were Ashleigh and Pudsey with a prize pot of £500,000 in 2012.

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Who is your favourite winner of Britain’s Got Talent from previous years? Let us know in the comments.

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Danny Rohl won’t be watching title rivals as Rangers bask in top spot

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl during a Premiership match between Rangers and Dundee United

Rohl was able to enjoy his side scoring four goals for the second game in a row at Ibrox, with some influential performances in attack.

As the German said after the match, if Rangers win six games they win the league.

The question is whether the performances suggest they are capable of doing that given the opposition only gets tougher. Rohl is “convinced” they can.

The win against United built on improved attacking performances, something that has been thrown at this Rangers side. Are they creative enough?

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They are, though, the top-scorers in the league and looking much more of a threat.

Thelo Aasgaard has been a much-maligned figure in his maiden season at Ibrox but was involved in three of the four goals, including scoring the third.

Djeidi Gassama, whose form has dipped after eye-catching early displays, was impactful off the bench in driving Rangers forward, and set up Aasgaard.

Striker Ryan Naderi grabbed his first Premiership goal too, before being withdrawn with an injury at half-time for Youssef Chermiti.

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Rangers’ number nine ended up with four shots and no goals in a busy display but is still looking for consistency, while Andreas Skov Olsen underwhelmed again before being withdrawn at the break.

Nonetheless, there is plenty to build on.

“We have to be on the front foot and if we win six games then we will have something at the end of the season,” Rohl added.

“I am really convinced that my players have the potential to do this. But there is still a long way to go and it’s no secret that next week away to Falkirk is a very, very difficult game.

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“We will take things step by step, but we had nine ‘finals’ and we have won the first three of them.

“That gives us a good feeling, but nothing more. We have to be humble and ready for the next fight.”

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Scarlett Moffatt: Returning to I’m A Celeb camp was less ‘harmonious’

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Scarlett Moffatt: Returning to I’m A Celeb camp was less ‘harmonious’

Also returning to camp with hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are former football manager Harry Redknapp, singer Sinitta, comedian Seann Walsh, retired boxer David Haye, DJ and Red Dwarf actor Craig Charles, ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard, Coronation Street star Beverley Callard and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas.

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Investigation launched after burglary in Snaith, near Goole

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Investigation launched after burglary in Snaith, near Goole

The burglary took place at a home in Pontefract Road, Snaith, near Goole, at 9.23pm on Thursday (April 2).

Humberside Police said a man dressed in dark clothing had walked around the property and smashed a glass side door.

After entering the home, the man had “untidily” searched the house, taking jewellery, including watches, but not before he was confronted by a relative of the homeowner, police said.

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A force spokesperson said: “The relative fought the intruder off, causing them to drop some of the stolen items as well as their gloves.

“This intruder then scaled a fence and fled, possibly in a white BMW.

“If you have any CCTV footage (including video doorbell), saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around this time or have any information about the offenders please contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting occurrence ref: 26*44350.

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“Alternatively you could call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“You don’t have to leave your name and you may even receive a reward.

“You can also provide information anonymously on the Crimestoppers website.”

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Search for missing airman presents serious test for US

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Search for missing airman presents serious test for US

Publicly, the president has played down this entire incident and suggested it won’t affect negotiations with Tehran to end the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on 28 February. But privately, this is likely to be of serious concern – particularly as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is said to have launched its own search for the missing American, reportedly using troops and locals, and offering them a reward of around $66,000 (£50,000) to capture him alive.

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Rosenior refuses to respond to Fernandez agent’s comments as Chelsea hit seven

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Rosenior refuses to respond to Fernandez agent’s comments as Chelsea hit seven

Good evening and welcome to our next instalment of the FA Cup quarter-finals as Chelsea host Port Vale at Stamford Bridge. It’s the club sixth in the Premier League versus the side rooted to the bottom of the third tier.

As we’ve just returned from an international break, you would assume it was a quiet week for Chelsea? Well, it’s been quite the opposite.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that Enzo Fernandez has been given a two-game ban because of his controversial comments regarding his future, meaning he will miss this match and next week’s league meeting with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

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Following the demoralising 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, vice-captain Fernandez plunged his Chelsea future into doubt, telling ESPN Argentina he didn’t know if he would stay at the club. In the international break, he fuelled Real Madrid links by saying: “I really like Madrid – it’s similar to Buenos Aires.”

Marc Cucurella was also vocal in the media, criticising Chelsea’s ownership and questioning the club’s project. The 27-year-old disagreed with Enzo Maresca’s sacking in January, feeling it created “instability” and said that only signing young players will “complicate” chances of winning major trophies. Unlike Fernandez, Cucurella escaped any noteworthy punishment and is available for selection this evening.

Alongside this drama and their Champions League exit, Chelsea have also suffered back-to-back Premier League losses without scoring against Newcastle United and Everton.

For Port Vale, things are looking even bleaker from a league standpoint. They’re bottom of League One, 15 points adrift of safety, although they do have two games in hand over 20th-place Wigan Athletic.

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Nevertheless, the FA Cup has been a glorious and welcome avenue of escapism for Port Vale, who are plotting a giant-killing. Jon Brady’s side beat Sunderland in the previous round, and with all eyes on Chelsea, Port Vale could rip up the script and pile even more pressure on their top-flight opponents.

Kick-off is at 5:15 BST, with line-ups on the way shortly.

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Social media video captures man kicking dog in Scarborough

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A61 - Driver fails to stop after crash with Vauxhall Vivaro

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People urged to take HMRC ISA action before tomorrow’s deadline

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Cambridgeshire Live

Millennials and Gen Z savers have until Sunday to use their £20,000 ISA allowance, with major changes to cash ISA limits coming from April 2027 reducing the amount to £12,000

Those born since 1981 are being urged to take note as a significant HMRC deadline approaches tomorrow. The average ISA held by a Baby Boomer — broadly defined as those born between 1946 and 1964 — now stands at £56,260, according to new data obtained by Bowmore Wealth Group via a Freedom of Information request to HMRC — nearly five times the £12,010 held by a typical Millennial — those born between 1981 and 1996.

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The figures come to light as the current tax year draws to a close on Sunday, April 5, with ISA allowances resetting when the new year begins on Monday. Yet even Baby Boomers’ ISA savings are overshadowed by those of the “Silent Generation,” individuals born before 1946, who boast average ISA investments of £67,950.

One surprising finding, according to experts, was that Generation Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — had average ISA investments of £8,690, not considerably lower than their Millennial counterparts.

Bowmore noted that this once again raised the frequently debated question of whether Millennials have set aside adequate savings. Many argue that Millennials have found it difficult to accumulate wealth comparable to earlier generations, owing to sluggish wage growth in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, combined with soaring housing costs.

John Clamp, Chartered Financial Planner at Bowmore Financial Planning, said: “The data highlights a clear generational divide when it comes to ISA savings. While older generations have benefited from decades of compounding and consistent contributions, younger investors appear to be falling behind at a crucial stage in their financial journeys.

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“Even relatively small, regular contributions can build significantly over time thanks to the tax advantages ISAs offer. For Millennials and Gen Z, engaging early with long-term saving and investing is key to narrowing this gap and improving financial resilience in the future.”

With regard to ISAs, savers currently benefit from a £20,000 annual allowance. This resets on the first day of the tax year, April 6, and any unused allowance is lost, reports the Mirror.

From April 2027, reforms introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will mean that only £12,000 can be deposited into a cash ISA. While the overall ceiling will remain at £20,000, the remaining £8,000 up to the full £20,000 will need to be placed into a stocks and shares ISA.

For those with a greater appetite for risk, Bowmore advised that investing a portion of their capital into a stocks and shares ISA is worth considering.

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Over the longer term, stocks and shares consistently deliver stronger returns than cash savings held in a cash ISA, the firm added.

John said: “The challenge for many investors is balancing short-term uncertainty with long-term opportunity.

“While holding cash can feel safer, it can also limit the growth potential of savings over time, particularly in an inflationary environment.

“For those able to take a longer-term view, introducing investment exposure through an ISA can be a powerful way to build wealth more effectively, especially when combined with regular contributions and a disciplined approach.”

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Boy, 4, dies after suffering suspected medical episode

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Boy, 4, dies after suffering suspected medical episode

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to Breightmet at around 1.30pm on Friday (April 3) to reports of a young boy believed to be suffering a medical episode.

Emergency services rushed to Lenham Gardens and the boy was transferred to a hospital.

However, police have confirmed that the child died shortly after arriving at hospital.

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GMP has added that there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, with enquiries ongoing.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “At around 1.30pm yesterday, officers responded to reports of a four-year-old boy suffering from a suspected medical episode in the Breightmet area of Bolton.

“Emergency services immediately responded and despite their best efforts, the child sadly died shortly after in hospital.

“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances and enquiries are currently taking place.”

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Community in shock as 4-year-old dies after medical episode in Bolton

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Community in shock as 4-year-old dies after medical episode in Bolton

Police were called to Lenham Gardens, Breightmet, at around 1.30pm to reports of the young child believed to be suffering a medical episode.

The boy was rushed to hospital, however police confirmed he died shortly after.

The boy suffered a medical episode in the early afternoon on Good Friday (Image: Newsquest)

Now, people in the community around Lenham Gardens have described their shock and sadness following the incident.

One person, who did not wish to be named, said emergency services arrived at the scene after 1pm and they were there for “about half an hour”.

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He said: “I know the dad but I didn’t know the boy. It’s really, really sad.”

John Grimes, 47, described seeing the emergency services arriving and lots of commotion.

The incident was described as “really sad” by one resident (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I saw the air ambulance landing in the field behind the estate, and there were people stood around – some were filming.

“The boy wasn’t breathing and ended up going in the road ambulance and that was the last I heard about it.”

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Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s really shocking and such a sad thing for the family.”

Greater Manchester Police said that there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, with enquiries ongoing.

The community around Lenham Gardens has been left shocked by the incident (Image: Newsquest)

A statement from the force said: “At around 1.30pm yesterday, officers responded to reports of a four-year-old boy suffering from a suspected medical episode in the Breightmet area of Bolton.

“Emergency services immediately responded and despite their best efforts, the child sadly died shortly after in hospital.

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“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances and enquiries are currently taking place.”

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